Note: If you're 11 years old—but you'll be 12 by Dec. 31, 2013—you may apply for and obtain an antlerless deer, antlerless elk, antlerless moose or doe pronghorn permit (if available). However, you cannot hunt until the day you turn 12. Be sure to check hunt dates before applying. All sales are final.

All hunters under the age of 16 must be accompanied in the field by a parent, legal guardian or responsible person 21 years of age or older.

Before you apply for a big game hunt, it's important to know whether you are a legal resident of the state of Utah.

You are a resident if you have had a fixed permanent home and principal establishment in Utah for six consecutive months immediately preceding the purchase of a license or permit, and you do not claim residency for hunting, fishing or trapping in any other state or country.

If you purchase a resident license for hunting, fishing or trapping in any other state or country, then your Utah resident license or permit is invalid.

What if I leave Utah temporarily?

You retain your Utah residency if you leave Utah to serve in the armed forces of the United States—or for religious or educational purposes—and you do not claim residency for hunting, fishing or trapping in any other state or country.

What if I serve in the armed forces?

Members of the armed forces of the United States and their dependents are residents as of the date the member reports for duty under assigned orders in Utah, if:

The member is not on temporary duty in Utah and does not claim residency for hunting, fishing or trapping in any other state or country.

The member presents a copy of his or her assignment orders to a Division office to verify the member's qualification as a resident.

What if I'm a student?

A nonresident attending an institution of higher learning in Utah as a full-time student may qualify as a resident if the student has been present in Utah for 60 consecutive days immediately preceding the purchase of the license or permit and does not claim residency for hunting, fishing or trapping in any other state or country.

What if I own property in Utah?

You do not qualify as a resident if you are an absentee landowner paying property tax on land in Utah.

If you were born after Dec. 31, 1965, you must provide proof that you've passed a hunter education course approved by the Division before you can apply for or obtain a hunting license or an antlerless permit.

Proof of hunter education

You can prove that you've completed hunter education by obtaining a hunter education course Certificate of Completion (this certificate is called a “blue card” in Utah) or by using a hunting license from a previous year with your hunter education number noted on the license.

How to take hunter education

If you were born after Dec. 31, 1965, you must take and successfully complete the state's hunter education course. It's an easy process:

Obtain a hunter education registration certificate. Each certificate costs only $10, and you can obtain it online, at any Division office or from a license agent.

Note: Both the registration certificate and the corresponding hunting license are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase. The license enables you to apply for or obtain permits in the Division's hunt drawings. In order to maximize your hunting opportunities, you should register for and complete the hunter education course as soon as possible after purchasing your registration certificate.

After completing the course, you will receive your official hunter education card (commonly known as the “blue card”) by mail. It will be sent to the address listed on your registration certificate. This card certifies that you passed hunter education.

You should also keep the following in mind:

Hunters under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult while hunting.

Regardless of when a student graduates, all hunting regulations (such as season dates and bag limits) will apply.

Students who are planning to hunt out of state should allow enough time for their hunter education card to arrive in the mail.

If you become a Utah resident, and you've completed a hunter education course in another state, province or country, you must obtain a blue card before you can apply for or buy a resident hunting license or a resident antlerless permit. You can obtain a Utah blue card at any Division office by providing proof that you've completed a hunter education course approved by the Division. The card costs $10.

You must have a current Utah hunting or combination (hunting and fishing) license to apply for any antlerless permits, bonus points or preference points. You will have the opportunity to purchase a license while applying for permits or points. Licenses are also available online and from license agents and Division offices.

Be sure to take a quick look at the date on your license before you apply for any permits or points. As long as your license is valid on the date you submit your application, you don't have to purchase a new license for the actual hunt.

For example, assume that your license expires on June 15, 2013. If you apply before that date, you do not have to purchase a new license for your hunt in the fall. All hunting and combination licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase.

Carry your permit

If you are successful in obtaining an antlerless permit, you must have it on your person while hunting. You cannot alter your license or permit, nor can you sell, transfer or loan either of them to another person.